Grahm, Sanna

Integration of eco-design in the product development process at Blå Station (English)

Abstract [en]

Eco-design is all about improving products environmental performances throughout the products lifecycle by including the environmental aspect into the product development process. There are a large number of different tools that can be used for this, but there are several factors that can affect which one will be the best to use. Some tools for eco-design takes comprehensive studies and can only be performed by experts, while some tools can be used more time- and cost efficient and with basic knowledge. The choice of tool should be based on the company’s situation.

This report describes the research of how the design and furniture company Blå Station could include a tool for eco-design in their product development process. The company had been working with environmental issues since the start in 1986 and used an environmental policy when developing new products. Although the product development process was vaguely defined, there were no specifications for how the environmental policy was to be included in the process. To investigate what tool would be the most suitable for Blå Station, a literature review was conducted. The review treated various eco-design tools, and product development processes.

Based on the company’s resources and areas of expertise the LiDS-wheel was chosen as a suitable eco-design tool to use in future product development projects. The tool has great similarities with the company’s existing environmental policy, which facilitates a possible implementation. Furthermore, the tool is well known which may lead to a recognition factor for outsiders.

The structure of the product development process was based on the company’s old way of working and the models of various researchers’. With LiDS-wheel included, the new product development process was applied when Blå Stations sound absorber was in need of a new wall mount. Earlier the sound absorber was mounted with magnets and steel washers, this solution made the product difficult to mount due to its great flexibility. A systematic wall mount with little adjustment range therefore became a new solution that increased the usability.